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Steely Dan - Alive in America CD (album) cover

ALIVE IN AMERICA

Steely Dan

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

3.74 | 35 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars "Alive in America" is a live album release by US jazz/rock act Steely Dan. The album was released through Giant Records in October 1995. released in 1995 by US pop/rock act Steely Dan. Itīs the bandīs first live album and itīs actually a bit of an oddity in Steely Danīs discography as they didnīt tour much after the first couple of albums (not after 1974). The recordings featured on "Alive in America" are culled from performances on the bandīs 1993/1994 comeback tour. Steely Dan initially disbanded in 1981 after releasing seven full-length studio albums. The duo still worked together on other projects (including Donald Fagen's second solo album, "Kamakiriad" from 1993), but after releasing the 1993 "Citizen Steely Dan" box-set (featuring all seven studio albums released between 1972 and 1980), Steely Dan opted to reunite and tour in support of the box-set.

Stylistically Steely Dan deliver their brand of pleasant sounding yet sophisticated and intriguing jazz rock with great skill. The core duo are backed by several touring musicians including a smaller brass section and backing singers. This is a powerful live album with a great atmosphere. Thereīs no talking to the audience which could have made it even better but on the other hand if you havenīt got anything clever or funny to say between the tracks I think itīs better to let the songs speak for themselves. Steely Dan do just that.

The songs selection is great, but honestly most of Steely Danīs output from the 70es could have been included so it must have been a hard pick. I really enjoy "Bodhisattva" which has a great instrumental section with a ripping Walter Becker guitar solo. Walter Becker generally plays some excellent guitar parts on the album. I enjoy "Book of Liars" where Walter Becker gets to sing some lead vocals. Iīve heard others complain about his voice but I donīt share that opinion. "Book of Liars" is from Walter Beckerīs first solo studio album "11 Tracks of Whack (1994)". Donald Fagen sings with conviction and smooth jazzy techniques on all other tracks on "Alive in America".

The sound production is professional, detailed, and powerful sounding, bringing out the best in the material, like the best productions do. Upon conclusion "Alive in America" is well worth your time if youīre fan of Steely Dan, but the more casual smooth/melodic jazz/rock listener should also be able to find a lot to love here. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.

UMUR | 4/5 |

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